Editor’s Note

By Stacy M. Menz, PT, DPT

In this month’s issue we explore innovation.

I feel like the introduction of COVID-19 turned our innovation dials up to full speed. We each had to adapt our normal way of doing things to allow us to continue to practice during this challenging time. For some people this meant they came up with a new line of service or product to offer their customers. For others it meant that you got creative with scheduling and marketing. Anything that you changed from the norm is innovation. Make sure you give yourself and your team credit for that.

I find innovation to be exhilarating and exhausting. It motivates me to keep moving forward but, at the same time, my brain gets tired so much faster because it is using new pathways and thought processes. I can’t just operate on autopilot.

It was timely that last month’s issue was about stress management because in order for us to continue to be innovative, it is important that we take care of ourselves. We can’t run on an empty tank!

I think you will find some great ideas in this issue to get you thinking a bit differently or asking different questions. Those thoughts and questions can spark creativity and innovation. And don’t forget to take advantage of the talent around you. Your staff probably has lots of great ideas and they are just waiting for you to ask. I know my staff had many ideas for how we could move forward at the start of the pandemic and we are seeing those ideas come to fruition now as we recover. Their pride in their initiatives is even higher because they were part of the solution!